We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tami Lysher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tami , so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Developing empathy is a beautiful journey that can help us build deeper connections with others. It’s all about understanding and embracing the feelings, thoughts, and perspectives of those around us. Here are some gentle steps I used to nurture empathy.
Lend an Open Ear: When someone shares their thoughts, try to listen. Your full attention shows how much you value their words.
Imagine what it’s like to be in their situation. Think about how you’d feel if you were going through what they are experiencing.
Invite them to share more about their feelings by asking open-ended questions. This lets them know you genuinely want to know their thoughts.
Set aside judgments and assumptions. Embrace their perspective with an open heart.
Pay attention to unspoken cues like smiles, gestures, and expressions. They reveal a lot about what’s in their heart.
Let them know their emotions matter. Even if you don’t completely understand, assure them their feelings are valid.
Respond empathetically by saying things like, “I can see why that would be tough,” or “You’re going through a lot, aren’t you?”
Repeat what they said using your own words. This helps them feel heard and encourages them to share more.
Explore stories and literature that showcase different life experiences. It’s a lovely way to broaden your horizons.
Understanding your feelings and biases. This insight helps you manage your reactions and connect on a deeper level.
Approach conversations with curiosity, eager to learn from others. This can lead to beautiful connections.
Acts of kindness and support let you step into others’ shoes. These moments build bridges of understanding.
Each person’s journey is unique. Avoid comparing their experiences to yours, as it can minimize their feelings.
Some might need time to open up. Give them space to share when they’re ready.
It’s okay to ask those close to you for feedback. They can gently guide you on this path of becoming more empathetic.
As we walk this path of empathy, remember it’s a journey that takes time and patience. The more you practice, the more you’ll find yourself connecting deeply with others’ emotions and experience
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Welcome to Studio T Pilates, where our primary emphasis lies in working with private clients to achieve nervous system integration through trauma-informed and functional movement practices. At our studio, we are committed to guiding individuals on a transformative journey, moving beyond mere survival to a state of confident thriving in both movement and life.
In addition to our specialized approach, I’ve also developed a comprehensive curriculum centered around Trauma Informed Movement. This curriculum is designed to empower students with a profound comprehension of the nervous system’s role in their well-being. By equipping them with knowledge and tools, we enable individuals to make informed decisions that foster positive impacts on their nervous system’s health. Our aim is to enhance their sense of agency and empower them to find their voice throughout this transformative process.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Certainly, the pivotal aspects that greatly influenced my journey encompass a diverse range of qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge.
First and foremost, obtaining a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education became a cornerstone of my path. This academic pursuit provided me with invaluable insights into working with families and young children who have been profoundly impacted by trauma. The significance of trauma in suppressing elements like voice, choice, agency, and movement became acutely apparent. Through extensive engagement with these families, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how trauma resonates throughout an individual’s entire being, stifling their ability to express themselves fully.
Furthermore, my experience spanning over 25 years of teaching yoga and incorporating Pilates practices for nervous system integration has equipped me with a vast and intricate understanding of the human body. This journey has taken me from working with infants to adults, granting me profound insights into the body’s developmental stages and nuances.
Lastly, my parallel career spanning more than three decades was a fusion of great significance. Merging the realms of trauma and movement allowed me to pioneer dialogues that shed light on the profound interconnection between physical health and mental well-being. Over time, I have come to recognize how each system within the body operates in harmony, forming an intricate network that profoundly impacts our overall wellness.
In essence, my journey has been shaped by these multifaceted dimensions, encompassing education, extensive experience, and the convergence of trauma and movement. This convergence has given rise to transformative conversations that emphasize the inseparable link between the various systems within our bodies, ultimately illuminating the path towards holistic health.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, engaging in the Nervous System Integration Facilitation course under the guidance of Chantill Lopez and Anne Bishop has proven to be an immensely enriching experience on both professional and personal fronts. This endeavor has seamlessly dovetailed with my existing knowledge in movement and trauma, culminating in a comprehensive understanding that I’ve been able to impart effectively.
This learning journey has furnished me with an invaluable toolset that significantly complements my prior expertise. By amalgamating the principles of nervous system integration with my foundational understanding of movement and trauma, I’ve been able to eloquently present the convergence of science and research. This has allowed me to elucidate the intricate ways in which trauma reverberates throughout the entire body, underscoring the holistic nature of its impact.
In my teaching approach, this integrated perspective takes center stage, as I strive to educate from a vantage point that considers the individual as a whole. The insights gained from this course have empowered me to guide students not only through movement but also through a deep exploration of the physiological and psychological interplay that trauma triggers.
Ultimately, the Nervous System Integration Facilitation course has bestowed upon me a transformative lens through which to view the profound effects of trauma. It has bolstered my capacity to educate and guide individuals in a holistic manner, merging the realms of movement, science, and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiotpilates.com
- Instagram: studiotpilatesmi
- Facebook: Tami Lysher
- Linkedin: Tami Lysher
- Youtube: Studio T Pilates157
- Other: Podcast on Spotify Embracing Change Talking Through Trauma
Image Credits
www.wrenphotostudio.com
